media-releases

Upgrading Kinders For Little Victorians In Werribee

October 16, 2018

The Andrews Labor Government is providing growing families in Werribee with the early learning services they need, with a new upgrade for the Werribee West Family Centre on the cards.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos and Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today announced the Labor Government will provide $350,000 to create additional capacity through the construction of a third kinder room, upgrade their outdoor area, foyer and consulting rooms.

The Werribee West Family Centre is one of more than 50 projects to be funded through the 2018-19 Children’s Facilities Capital Program, which delivers top class facilities – both new and upgraded – so children can make the most out of their early years education.

It comes as Labor announces its plan to build 785 new kinders and upgrade 170 more if re-elected, as part of its almost $5 billion three-year-old kinder reform.

Under a re-elected Andrews Labor Government, every Victorian child will have access to at least five hours of subsidised three-year-old kinder by 2022, progressively scaled up to 15 hours per week over the next decade.

It represents good news for families struggling with the cost of living.

Right now, many are forced to scrimp and save to cover the costs of three-year-old kinder – around $5000 a year for 15 hours – while the vast majority see their kids miss out. But under Labor’s plan, around a quarter of Victorian families will pay nothing at all.

For families with a higher income, the Labor Government will cover 65 per cent of their child’s kindergarten costs, consistent with the current subsidy for four-year-old kinder. This represents a saving of at least $3500 for families whose children attend a standalone kinder.

This will be the largest social, economic and educational reform ever undertaken in early childhood learning in Victoria’s history.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos

“Universal access to three-year-old kinder is an Australian-first and make no mistake, this will change lives.”

“We’ve promised to rollout three-year-old kinder if re-elected and we’re backing it up, undertaking the biggest early education build our state has ever seen. Only Labor will make sure local kids get the opportunities they deserve.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“This will be of great benefit to local families in Werribee – as we continue to deliver better facilities, giving kids the great start to their education that they need.”

“Early learning sets kids up for the best possible start in life and that’s why we’re so pleased to be investing in it – three-year-old kinder will have huge impact on Victorian families, including here in Werribee.”